Depotting: Methods Behind the Madness

So, you’re ready to depot, and you have your products in hand. Before diving in, take a moment to arrange everything and think about how you want your palette to look. Consider organizing your shades from light to dark or in a way that makes the most sense for you. Also, make sure to sanitize both your depotting spatula and the container with rubbing alcohol to maintain product integrity and hygiene during the process.

@mack.robidoux.hair

Step 1: Visualize your Palette

If you tend to think visually, consider swatching your products on paper first. It may take a little extra time, but this step helps you commit to a layout and avoid mistakes later. Swatching also gives you a clear idea of how the shades will appear together in your final palette.

@kathleenkarridene

Step 2: Choose your Spatula wisely

Now that you've chosen your depotting order, the real fun begins! Start by selecting the right makeup depotting spatula—one with enough flexibility to easily press the product into the corners, and a width that closely matches the palette's well. This minimizes strokes and ensures smooth, precise product application.

@jaycee.beauty

Step 3: Aim for the corner.

With your tool in hand, it's time to experiment and discover the depotting method that works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so don’t hesitate to explore and find the approach that fits your style. If there’s one key takeaway from this, it’s the importance of getting into the corners—ensuring no air bubbles are trapped. Below are some popular depotting techniques to help you get started.

Depotting Techniques

@depotchopra

Pop 'n Press

Slice off the top of your lipstick using the edge of your spatula and press firmly into the well's corners to avoid air pockets. Before you cut, hold the lipstick bullet over the well to estimate how much will fit. If there's room, scoop out any remaining product from the tube to maximize what you can store.

@recapture_beauty

Bend 'n Snap

Depending on the firmness of your lipstick, you may be able to snap the bullet directly into the well, using the well's bottom edge as a cutting guide. Then, use your spatula to press the remaining product neatly into the well.

@glowbykt

Tug 'n Twirl

If your lipsticks are firm enough, use a paper towel to grip and pull the entire lipstick bullet out of the tube. This method isn’t recommended because if you pull out more product than the well can hold, you’ll end up overcommitting and wasting the excess product.

@beautybysarie

Prep 'n Melt

If you want a smooth, polished look for your palette, you can add an optional step by melting your solid-based products over a spoon and candle. However, proceed with caution—while tube lipsticks are generally formulated for melting, not all products will respond well to heat. Be mindful that melting is done at your own risk, as some formulas may not cooperate.

@yessicaportelli.mua

Smash 'n Grab

A depotting technique that involves an intermediary step using a mixing palette to crush your makeup product before applying it into a well. While this method gives you more control over the texture, it’s more time-consuming as you'll need to clean the mixing palette between each shade. Whenever possible, we recommend depotting products directly into the wells to save time and maintain product integrity.

@gabrielle__mua, @jazcrush.artistry

Clean the edges

After depotting an entire row, clean up the edges for a neat, polished finish. Running a cotton swab will keep your palette looking tidy while also preventing cross-contamination between shades.

If you're feeling adventurous, place some tissue on a flat, hard surface and gently run your palette along the edge to remove any excess product.

Et voila!

Now that you've created your own customized palette, take a moment to appreciate your work. As you continue depotting, remember that the best method can vary depending on the consistency and formulation of each product. Be sure to choose an approach tailored to the specific makeup you're working with to achieve the best results.

Depotting Guidlines

1. Maintain Product Integrity

Ensure that the quality of the makeup is maintained during depotting by using sanitized tools and clean containers.

2. Ensure Proper Labeling

Properly label each container. A pro tip is to use the back of lipstick labels or other original packaging labels to avoid confusion.

3. Track Expiry Dates

Keep track of the product's expiration date, as depotting can sometimes make it harder to remember when items were purchased or when they might expire.